Wow, anyone who followed us to the Istituto of Italian Culture for last night's EuroAsia Shorts Finale was rewarded with interesting films and a cool reception. If you missed it, stay tuned in the coming months for more recommendations. I would say put down Thursday, Sept. 10 on your calendar for the opening night of the DC Shorts Festival. Last year's rooftop opening reception was one of best events of the year.
Remember, we're doing the Single Volunteer Artwalk this Friday in Bethesda. Should be awesome with three or four nice galleries, good Thai food, the music of the Brian Gross trio and 30 of your new closest friends. E-mail me if you want to join us. My social bike bike club, Bike & Brunch, is having a Happy Hour at Sequoias on Wednesday (6pm on - free appetizers) and the big annual Fletchers Boat House Picnic next Sunday the 14th. Everyone's invited.
On the culture front, I can recommend two new ventures. The film Easy Virtue takes the standard British country estate affair and has some fun with it - with two of the best actors working today: Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas. (See my interview earlier this year with Scott Thomas on the DC Film Society Web site.) Jessica Biel (from 7th Heaven days) takes on key role of the "American wife" and does okay with it.
An actress who does more than okay with her role is Valerie Harper in the new Arena Stage production of Looped at the majestic Lincoln Theatre. The play focuses on legendary actress Talullah Bankhead at a latter point in her career. Harper, of Rhoda fame, makes a grand entrance and just gets grander from there. This is the definition of a star turn, the play being a fun vehicle for a wonderful actress. The crowd gave her a standing ovation on Friday night.
One of my favorite galleries is Printmakers on Connecticut Ave. I stopped in on Friday to see the new monotype prints show from Marian Osher called Eyetinerary. The prints happily transport you into mid-summer at the beach, with pastel colors and inviting scenes. Gallery Director Karisa Senavitis, a fellow Jersey Shore native, also told me about next month's exciting show called Meet Your Printmaker (opening July 3), where you'll be able to see a selection of 40 print/printmaking studios from around the world.
Lastly, let me give an incredibly nice shout-out to Barbara, whose home/gallery at 2015 Q St. #2, NW, has been entertaining First Friday patrons for a couple years now. Friday she had some new interesting work up from resident artist (and also nice) Rafael Gallardo. Barbara defines what community is all about. She is there to welcome everyone with a smile, offer food and drink, and make you feel incredibly comfortable. It's always very hard to leave and return to the Art Walk. Thanks Barbara!
** the crossroads of culture and community in the Washington DC area **
Hiya Ronn. Glad to see this much-needed online social resource is up and running. Looks great. It's making me wonder if I perhaps departed the city too soon. Maybe you can do a special "on the road" edition for when you come up to visit me in Vermont (hint, hint)....
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